Jeanette Frazier, Director of Franchise Development, CARSTAR
Serving Auto Dealerships
In the new world of “no-touch” customer service, remote learning, virtual estimating and centralized performance tracking, there is one consistent requirement – a robust technology platform. Without that strong foundation, it is challenging to meet the evolving demands of today’s – and tomorrow’s – collision repair industry.
For collision repair facilities that are part of a dealership group, the technology platform needed is entirely different than what is used for dealership management. Not only are these facilities grappling with how to upgrade their computers to handle today’s data needs, implement the bandwidth needed to deliver remote services and keep their team members up-to-date on training. They need unique data management systems to provide the performance tracking required by many insurance carriers and OEMs today.
That’s where CARSTAR comes in. Powered by Driven Brands and the resources behind more than 4,000 automotive service locations across North America, CARSTAR provides collision repair facility owners the innovative technology network needed to succeed. From consulting support via CARSTAR’s Operations team to proprietary data management tools to virtual customer service applications, CARSTAR keeps its more than 700 franchise partners at the technological forefront of the industry. That includes some 50 CARSTAR collision repair facilities that are affiliated with dealership locations.
CARSTAR’s innovative technology platform features:
Proprietary KPI Dashboards
CARSTAR works with its franchise partners at dealership locations to procure, set up and manage data-tracking systems to accurately measure and report KPI performance on a real-time basis. It also compiles data across the CARSTAR network to identify trends, compare metrics and identify opportunities that help improve performance and profitability.
CARSTAR University
Keeping employees abreast of current repair processes and procedures is challenging in any environment, but especially today. With the CARSTAR University, team members can access hundreds of online training courses from the CARSTAR collision repair experts as well as top manufacturers and service providers.
Online Photo Estimating
In the “no-touch” environment, handling estimates requires new technology. CARSTAR’s online photo estimating tools allow estimators to guide customers through the process of documenting their vehicle damage and submitting for a free estimate. This means customers at collision repair facilities at dealerships don’t have to drive to the repair center to get their estimate and begin their vehicle repair process.
Digital Desk Review
Handling insurance repairs requires a focus on the details of each carrier program and OEM repair standards along with the bottom line. In dealership-based collision repair facilities – with all with varying OEM repair guidelines – this can be challenging. CARSTAR’s digital desk review evaluates estimates for thousands of repairs each year for accuracy, compliance and unrecognized opportunities, helping franchise partners streamline the repair process and maximize their potential on each repair.
Online Scheduling
When a customer is ready to repair their vehicle, the CARSTAR online scheduling system can confirm their appointment, arrange for vehicle pickup or “no contact” drop-off and coordinate with the appropriate insurance carrier. This helps dealership customers who depend on their trucks, SUVs and cars get back on the road faster in their expertly repaired vehicles.
Technology Resources
As franchise partners are upgrading their technology, renovating their facility or building a new location, the CARSTAR and Driven Brands technology team is there to help. From determining the right network and computer systems to install, connecting new advanced tools and equipment to the network and implementing new remote devices to trouble-shooting technology issues, the CARSTAR and Driven Brands technology team is an unparalleled resource in an evolving business environment.
Bottom line, a collision repair facility with yesterday’s technology will be challenged to meet today’s standards – not to mention in the future. CARSTAR offers the independent collision repair facility owners in dealership locations a powerful partner that helps them navigate the new digital economy and succeed in tomorrow’s collision repair industry. To learn more about joining the CARSTAR family, contact Jeanette Frazier today!